CVE-2024-23551
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to access database credentials stored in plaintext or encoded format on endpoints during database scanning operations. It affects systems using database scanning tools that improperly store authentication credentials. Attackers who gain access to these files can obtain sensitive database credentials.
💻 Affected Systems
- HCL BigFix Platform
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full database compromise leading to data exfiltration, unauthorized data manipulation, and complete system takeover through credential reuse.
Likely Case
Unauthorized database access resulting in data leakage and potential privilege escalation within the database environment.
If Mitigated
Limited exposure with encrypted credentials and proper access controls preventing credential extraction.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local file access or ability to read endpoint files; trivial once file access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 11.0.4
Vendor Advisory: https://support.hcltechsw.com/csm?id=kb_article&sysparm_article=KB0112963
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download HCL BigFix Platform version 11.0.4 from official sources. 2. Backup current configuration and data. 3. Run the upgrade installer following vendor documentation. 4. Restart all BigFix services. 5. Verify functionality post-upgrade.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable database scanning
allTemporarily disable database scanning functionality until patching can be completed.
# Consult BigFix documentation for specific disable commands
Restrict file permissions
linuxApply strict file permissions to credential storage locations to limit access.
chmod 600 /path/to/credential/files
chown root:root /path/to/credential/files
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls on endpoints storing credentials
- Monitor for unauthorized access to credential files and implement file integrity monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BigFix version using 'bigfix -version' or review installed version in control panel; versions below 11.0.4 are vulnerable.Check Version:
bigfix -versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 11.0.4 or higher and check that credential files are no longer stored in plaintext/encoded format.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to credential files
- Database connection failures from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected database connections from endpoints
- Credential reuse across systems
SIEM Query:
source="*bigfix*" AND (event="file_access" OR event="credential_storage") AND file_path="*credential*"